Eternal Darkness
I unfortunately don't own the G-boys; if I did I would be much happier, wallowing in money. But I don't so don't bother suing; I don't have anything, I'm a poor college student people! Unless of course you want a couple blood thirsty dust bunnies….I got plenty of those. Comments are always appreciated….craved actually. REVIEWS!!! I NEED REVIEWS. Uh…sorry….I'm ok now. So please, review; let me know what you liked, what you didn't, the good, the bad and the ugly basically. However flames will be laughed at, so I wouldn't even bother.
Chapter 15
Something wasn't right… Wufei remained unmoving from his bed. What was it? Wufei listened to the sounds of the house around him…they were different then before. What in the world? Slowly Wufei opened his eyes…the ceiling that greeted him was not his own. Where the hell was he? Suddenly the events of the previous night came back with a vengeance. Groaning Wufei rolled over, pulling the covers over his head. It had all been a dream! His best friend was NOT some half human-vampire…and had NOT ripped out anyone's heart and had NOT taken a bite out of said heart….it was all a dream it had NOT happened. Wufei glanced at his watch, he blinked a couple times as his tired mind attempted to read the hands of his watch. Let's see…nine fifteen? Yes nine fifteen….wait…NINE FIFTEEN?!?!?
"SHIT!!!!!!!!!"
At the end of the hall two violet eyes snapped open as his sensitive ears picked up the shouted curse. Duo blinked a couple times and slowly slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb his slumbering sister. Pheles sifted and blinked, her movements were unhurried and lazy, confident that there was nothing dangerous in her home. "What is he yelling about?" she asked, blinking sleepy golden eyes at Duo. The braided boy shrugged, and slipped out of the room, his bare feet making no sound on the old wooden floors. He paused at Wufei's door; he could hear his friend hurrying around his room. Duo opened the door… and was nearly run over by a slightly panicked Wufei.
"Whoa! "Fei! Where's the fire?" Duo asked, catching the panicked youth.
Wufei paused in his mad dash when he was caught by Duo who happened to be standing in the middle of his door wearing only a pair of tight black jeans and his silver cross necklace. Wufei blinked a couple times as he starred at Duo, his frantic mind stumbling over which was more important…going to Mythology or ogling Duo. Unfortunately Wufei's logical mind deemed that the exam was more important and that he was going to miss it if he didn't hurry up.
"MAXWELL…do you have ANY idea what time it is?!" Wufei demanded. Duo blinked;
"Uh…'round 9:30?" he replied, puzzled.
"So why the HELL aren't you dressed?????" Wufei yelled, glaring at Duo; "Mythology starts in ten minutes and YOU can't be late or miss her class anymore or she'll fail you! Plus we have a test today!"
Duo stared at Wufei for a few seconds as his sleepy mind processed what Wufei had just said.
"WHAT!?!?!" Duo yelled, as the words finally sank in, "SHIT!!!!!" Duo turned on his heel and bolted back down the hall to his bedroom. Duo slammed into the room, deciding to forgo the shower after all he did take one the night before. He quickly threw on a shirt and socks, pulled his hair back into a pony tail, pulled on his boots and grabbed his bag and books; then raced out of the room. Wufei was waiting impatiently for Duo by his door; Duo didn't pause in his mad dash nor did Wufei expect him to or particularly want him to.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me about this last night!?" Duo snarled as they raced down the hallway, taking the stairs five at a time,
"Why the hell do you think I came by last night, baka!? I had ever intention of telling you!"
"Well why the hell didn't you?!"
"I dunno I was a bit distracted by the PEOPLE TRYING TO KILL ME!!!!!!" Wufei yelled, as they came around the corner. Pheles stood next to the front door wrapped in a red leopard print fuzzy robe; in one of her hands dangled two sets of keys.
"Thanks sis." Duo said, kissing her cheek before he disappeared out the door, Wufei close on his heels, throwing a polite 'thank you' over his shoulder as they raced toward their bikes.
"What in all nine hells was that about?" Dorothy asked as she walked over to her cousin wrapping her blue and white fuzzy robe tighter around her. Pheles snickered; "That's what happens when humans realize they are late for class."
"You're joking?" Dorothy asked, "All that to just get to a class????"
"Yup," Pheles replied as the two immortals walked toward the kitchen.
"And the keys?"
"It's better then having my house trashed again because idget brain couldn't find his keys." Pheles said, glaring at the wall as she remembered the horrid mess that Duo had made the last time he couldn't find his keys. Dorothy shuddered as she too remembered the destruction caused by Duo's memory lapse…overturned furniture, books and papers strone out everywhere, shattered glass. Dorothy had never seen Pheles so close to throttling her little brother.
"Come on chica," Pheles said, smiling her long teeth flashing in the dim light, "Lets get some REAL breakfast…I'm thinking steak…"
"Rare?"
"Of course…"
The two ancient vampires grinned at each other as they glided down the silent halls in pursuit of food.
Somehow both Duo and Wufei managed to get to class on time with minimum damage to the surrounding area. The test did not take long, especially if you had studied and knew the answers.
"So how do you think you did?" Duo asked as they walked outside to wait for Quatre and Hilde.
Wufei grinned, "Good…very good. You?"
"Same."
"Even thou you missed so many classes? Some of those questions the information wasn't in the book."
"Shit 'Fei, my whole life is a freakin' myth. I mean damn, I'm LIVING with a 'legend', 'member. You would be amazed at the types of beings I've met…and if I haven't met them, Pheles sure as hell has. So by the time I was fifteen I had heard all the legends…those were our bedtime stories in the Clan."
"Really? How old is Pheles anyhow?" Wufei asked, Duo paused;
"Actually I don't know…I don't think anyone really does." He replied. Suddenly, any other comments were cut off as a bundle of blonde energy pounced on him, wrapping his arms around his victim in a bear hug.
"DUO! It's so good to see you! How are you doing? How is your leg?" Quatre asked his large aqua eyes filled with worry.
Leg?
"Oh…right…" Wufei said, plastering on a smile. Shit they had forgotten that Duo was supposed to be injured, that was why he had been absent the past couple weeks. "I forgot to ask you how your injury was, Maxwell…you know from Zechs…."
Duo's eyes got wide and Wufei could practically hear the braided youth swearing mentally; "It...er…fine Q-man, barely even know its there anymore…." Duo had forgotten he had been injured; since after all the wound had healed by the morning.
The three friends glanced between Duo and Wufei sensing that something was off.
Wait…three?
Duo locked eyes with the green-eyed youth standing behind Quatre. "It seems that you have been adopted into our lil ragtag group, hey 'Trowa'?" Duo said, and evil smile playing across his lips. Trowa suppressed a shudder at the barely veiled malice that was Shinigami swimming behind the braided boys violet eyes. However Trowa tried not to allow his nervousness to show choosing instead to smile back at the half-blood; "So it seems…is this a problem, 'Duo'?" Trowa replied; hoping that with the presence of his friends here, that Duo would not make a scene. His hope dropped slightly as he saw both Wufei and Hilde glance at Duo, and then take a set away from them. Hilde's indigo eyes watched Duo warily for any indication that he was about to get violent. Wufei's dark gaze, however, were locked on Trowa; which the Latino found unusually unnerving. The boy's eyes were cold and suspicious; it was apparent that this boy was taking his cue off of his friend. Wufei noticed that Trowa was studying him and sent an arrogant glare/smirk directly at Trowa; as if daring him to try something. In that instant, Trowa knew…he knew that the Chinese boy was aware of who he was standing next to, he knew that Duo wasn't completely human, and he didn't care.
The stand off took no more then a moment, yet it felt like an eternity before Duo's face split into a bright grin and Shinigami sank back into the darkness. Everyone breathed an unconscious sigh of relief.
"If you're good enough to pass Quatre and Hilde's test then I guess you're good enough for me….welcome to the group then, Trowa…" Duo replied, appearing for all the world like a normal happy-go-lucky college kid.
"So where too Q-man?" Duo asked, throwing an arm over the blonde's shoulder. Trowa tried not to growl at the gesture; somehow in the couple weeks he had been in town, he had become quite attached to the petite blonde. Duo, his sensitive ear's catching the muffled sound, turned back to Trowa and grinned, flashing his trade mark manic grin.
"Actually, I'm starving and there's this neat little old fashioned dinner that just opened up. You guys want to go get something to eat there?" Quatre said, smiling sweetly, his large aqua eyes pleading. Wufei, Hilde and surprisingly Trowa, all wilted under that glance consenting to the little Arabian's wishes without a real fight. The blonde then turned his dazzling smile onto Duo; who stood there seeming to be thinking about the idea.
"They have homemade hamburgers and fries…." Quatre said, hoping to convince his long haired friend without going into fully puppy-dog eyes mode; Duo however still looked skeptical. Suddenly Quatre grinned, an expression that mirrored Duo's surprisingly well, "They have a dance floor, Duo…" He said. Instantly Duo perked up;
"Really?" He asked, looking like a child who had just been told he was getting a new toy; Quatre nodded.
"Woot!" Duo yelled, "Them what are we waiting for?! Last one there's a rotten egg!" Then he took off towards the parking lot.
"Do you think he knows where it is?" Hilde asked. Wufei grinned, "I'm sure he'll figure it out. Thou maybe I should go with him to make sure he doesn't get lost." Then he too was racing towards the parking lot, following the braided idiot.
"You know, if I didn't know better," Quatre said a wicked grin on his normally innocent face, "I would say that Wufei has a thing for Duo…"
Trowa blinked, "For Duo?" he asked, it was hard for him to imagine anyone being friends with much less loving Shinigami. Though, the Shadow Clan had been known for their loyalty to their clan…he had always assumed it was inspired by fear. Perhaps there was more there then he had originally thought?
The drive to the dinner was rather uneventful. Both Duo and Wufei were there waiting as Quatre, Trowa and Hilde pulled up in Hilde's Lancer(1). The two where casually leaning on their bikes, patiently waiting for the trio. Trowa noticed that those two seemed to have several female admirers' watching them. He wondered if they noticed…
"'Bout time!" Duo said, grinning, "I thought YOU had gotten lost." Hilde stuck out her tongue and walked past her best friend. Duo grinned and followed him and Wufei bringing up the rear.
"Welcome to the Caroline Café" the hostess said, "How many?"
"Five, non-smoking..." Quatre replied immediately.
The place was large, yet it wasn't loud or noisy and the tall seat backs gave you a sense of privacy that many restaurants lack. Wufei noticed that both Trowa and Duo automatically scanned the building, noting the exits. It didn't surprise him that Duo would do such a thing; he may not know a lot about Duo's history, but he had gathered from what little he had been told that it had definitely NOT been pleasant. However, the addition of Trowa noting all the exits, puzzled Wufei…not to mention that Duo seemed to have an immediate dislike of the Latino man. Duo was generally an easy going person, giving everyone the benefit of the doubt, yet; Wufei had a sneaking suspicion that if Hilde and Quatre had not been present that afternoon, that Duo might have attacked Trowa.
They sat down and ordered their food. Polite and slightly tense conversation followed.
"Hey look, there are speakers at out tables…" Quatre said, trying to break the tension, "I wonder if that means…."Suddenly the little blonde was up and dashing across the short distance to the opposite wall. They all stared at him as he squealed with delight and dug some money out of his pocket. They all exchanged nervous glances at each other as the blonde practically skipped back over to the table.
"What was that all about Quatre?" Hilde asked as the blonde slide in next to Trowa. He grinned;
"It was a jut(2) box." He said, grinned.
"I'm scared to ask, what did you pick?" Wufei asked, slightly nervous. Quatre grinned, "Wait and see…" The song that was playing ended.
"It should be coming on next..." Quatre said, Duo shook his head at the eagerness writing on his friend's face, and took a slip of his drink.
"I'm not listening, not anymore
The more I learn, the more I ignore
I'm not listening, not anymore
The more I hear, the more I ignore
No I'm not listening, not anymore, No…"
And promptly began choking as the lyrics blared over the speakers next to the table. Wufei started hitting Duo on the back; "You alright Duo?" He asked; Duo had his head down.
"Yeah I'm fine" Duo said, smiling at them; yet there was suddenly a haunted look in Duo's eyes.
Cause You gotta be bigger, be faster, be stronger
If your gonna survive any longer
In this lifetime, it better be the right time
The first time might be your last time
Am I a failure if I got nothing to lose
No, I'm not a failure, I got something to prove
"Interesting choice in songs Quatre," Hilde said, "I've never heard this one before...what is it?"
I'm not listening, not anymore
The more I learn, the more I ignore
I'm not listening, not anymore
The more I hear, the more I ignore, the more I ignore
"Oh it's called 'Not Listening';" Quatre said grinning, "I'm not surprised that you haven't heard of it, albums for this band are really hard to come by."
"Oh? Why?"
"They just didn't make many I guess, though they broke up or something because there hasn't been any new albums for nearly ten years…" More choking from Duo.
"You ok, Duo?"
"Yeah fine….evil milkshake…"
Cause I've lost my innocence
And I'm a stranger, A life changer
I'm a man thats not afraid of danger
I walk my own path, and blaze my own trail
Because I'm not afraid to derail
I won't get in line or be a middle man
So fuck you I'll make my own plan
And I got respect and I dont neglect
The people that are here who came to protect
Am I a failure if I got nothing to lose
No, I'm not a failure, I got something to prove
"So who were they?"
"The band was called 'The Ghost and the Darkness' (3); thou two lead singers names were something bizarre…Asm...Ast……"
"Astaroth(4) and Shinigami?" Trowa asked, casting a side long glance at a very quiet Duo. At the word 'Shinigami' Wufei, who was also unlucky enough to be drinking at that moment, began choking.
I told you before, wont listen anymore
I told you before, lets settle the score
I told you before, wont listen anymore
I told you before, lets settle the score
If not me then who?
If not now then when?
If not me then who?
If not now then when?
"What is with you two and choking?" Hilde asked as Wufei got himself back under control.
Wufei cleared his throat, "Evil milkshake…" he replied; then he cast a side ways glance at Duo. Something was definitely wrong with the braided boy; the smile on his face didn't reach his eyes and he was quiet…never a good sign. He could tell by Duo's face that the braided boy wanted to leave…he just couldn't think up a good enough excuse.
Wufei looked at his watch…it was nearly noon. "Damn…I need to be leaving guys…I have to go to work later tonight."
"Oh that sucks…"Hilde said, " Well have fun…"
Wufei began to walk away, then he stopped and turned back around, as if suddenly remembering that he was forgetting something, "Oh, Duo, would you mind coming with me, I left my mythology book over at your house last night…"
"Whoa…wait you were over at his house?" Hilde asked, wide eyed. No one had ever been to Duo's sister's house. "How the hell did you manage that?"
Duo didn't even flinch at the surprised note in her voice as he slide out of the booth, "I'll wait outside for you, 'Fei."
Quickly Wufei gave his friend a very brief and EXTREMELY edited account of what had happened the night before. Basically just saying that he had finally gotten Duo on the phone, and he had given Wufei directions to his house so that they both could use the study guide the teacher had given them. Hilde looked a bit skeptical, but let it slide; there was obviously something going on between the two boys that they didn't want anyone knowing about. Quatre and Hilde exchanged looks, both knowing that something was up; yet both were patient hunters and they could wait until their friends told them….or until they could corner one of them to question.
The drive back to Eternal Darkness was uneventful; Duo actually went the speed limit, which in and of itself was an indication that something was VERY wrong with him. They parked in front of the dark mansion/club and walked inside. The building was silent; a huge contrast to the noise and movement the build contained the night before.
"Come on." Duo said; walking down a hallway that Wufei hadn't even seen a moment before. "Kitchens down this way…I need something to drink…"
The hallway was dark; shadows flitted just out of Wufei's line of sight. Yet, now they didn't bother him as much, since now he knew what they were.
The kitchen large, painted dark green and tan with a dark red chair rail. The cabinets were a dark wood, the counters dark green. There was a large window over the sink, the window held dozens of stain glass pieces as well as a glass ball.
"It's a witch ball..." Duo said, noticing Wufei studying the emerald globe, "It's meant to keep evil spirits out, negative energy…that sort of thing. Pheles can be quite superstitious sometimes…but as long as she's lived, I can't blame her. She's obviously doing something right."
Wufei turned to look at his friend, startled by the sad note in his voice. Duo held a crystal goblet in his hand and was pouring a red liquid from a very ornate bottle into the glass.
"What's that?" Duo blinked, holding up the glass so the light shined through it, causing his face to glow red.
"It's blood wyne." Duo said, "Pheles makes it; it helps to curb the cravings we get. It's a mixture of blood and some type of wine...it helps relax me."
"Ah…" Wufei said, "What exactly happened back there Duo? I never knew you were in a band…"
Duo snorted, "No many do, it was over ten years ago that we 'broke up' as Quatre so eloquently put it." Wufei watched his friend, making sure his puzzlement was clear in his face. Duo sighed.
"It was Solo's idea; he had always wanted to be a big bad ass rock star. So Pheles gave us some money, and we did. We became the Ghost and the Darkness. By that time, Solo had become a vampire, and I was a partially one…we both had a rep. in the community, so we decided to use our vampire names, Astaroth and Shinigami. We were a big hit, but we only made one record before the wars…and Solo was…was killed. After that, Pheles and me moved out here. I haven't done anything like that until this past year. That song was one of the first ones Solo made. It just brought back a lot of memories that I would rather not have…"
Wufei nodded his head, confused by most of what Duo had said. His brother had been a vampire? Wars? What was he talking about? But, instead of asking, Wufei changed the subject, moving back onto safer ground. After about a half hour of talking about random things, Wufei remembered something.
"Duo…do you know what Friday is?"
"Yeah, Halloween."
"What else?"
"Uh…."
"Quatre's birthday."
"SHIT!" Duo growled, "I had completely forgotten!"
"Yeah…have any ideas what to do for his birthday?"
"Uh…no…you?"
"I have an idea…." Wufei said, an evil smirk suddenly appearing on his face.
I hope you all like this chapter. I had a hard time writing it. But I am going to bed now....its late and I'm sick. I'm sorry for not doing my usual reviewer responses...but ffn erased them for some reason when i did them the first time, and im too tired to rewrite them all again. my apologies. I'll respond for the next chappie, promise. thou don't expect one for a while, things have been really hetic around here...boyfriend probs, best friend probs...school...and now im sick...someone must really hate me this month. oh well. please review! ill try to update Secrets of the Gods soon!
